How to Re-Cover an ATV Seat

X-HT-300723

In today’s how-to video, we’ll teach you how to reupholster an ATV seat. This type of vehicle seat has a lot of contour and shape. We’re going to show you our tricks for getting a very smooth, tight fit without wrinkles or sags. This seat is for a four-wheeler, but you can also apply these techniques to a motorcycle seat. Your ATV seat will look like it was professionally upholstered when you follow along with our video tutorial. Let’s get started.

Video Chapters:

Intro — 0:00 min.
Removing Old Cover — 0:37 min.
Patterning & Cutting Foam — 2:27 min.
Shaping & Repairing Foam — 5:39 min.
Patterning for New Cover — 11:33 min.
Cutting Fabric Panels — 24:56 min.
Sewing Fabric Panels — 28:41 min.
Installing Cover — 36:26 min.

Materials List:

Dura-Skrim® Patterning Material 74" — SKU: 103134-2
CushionRite® Premium Foam (Extra Firm) — SKU: 124237-1-2648
CushionRite® Foam & Fabric Spray Adhesive 16.9 oz. — SKU: 125476
S-18 All-Purpose Adhesive 4 oz. — SKU: 124192
3M™ Super 77™ Spray Adhesive Low VOC 18 oz. — SKU: 636100
Morbern™ Allsport 360° Stretch Black 54" Vinyl Fabric — SKU: 104182
Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) — SKU: 122065
PremoBond® Tex 90 (V-92) Black UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) — SKU: 123338
Cushion Wrap Silk Film 54" — SKU: 103933-10
21 Gauge 1/4" (6mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Stainless Steel) — SKU: 8006SS

Tools List:

Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" — SKU: 101017
Sailrite® Foam Shaper — SKU: 123583
Fabric Edge Pattern Notching Tool — SKU: 124326
Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide — SKU: 103597
Sailrite® Deluxe Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (110V) — SKU: 400600
Left Edge Guide Foot Set 4mm for Sailrite® Fabricator® — SKU: 400111
Sailrite® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun — SKU: 121411
Sharpie, Hacksaw blade, Pen, packing tape

The first step in reupholstering an ATV seat is to remove the old cover. Because an ATV seat has so much contour and shape, the seams will need to be accounted for when removing the old cover and patterning the new one.

Once you get the cover off, inspect the foam. If it’s in good shape, it can be reused. But if it’s rotting or damaged, you’ll need to replace it with quality foam. The foam on our seat is partially damaged, so we’re replacing a couple of sections with CushionRite® Premium Extra Firm. A high-density polyurethane foam with an extra-firm firmness rating is our recommendation for this type of utility vehicle seat.

X Ht 300723 3 — You can see Eric patterning the new vinyl panels for the seat using patterning material.

Now it’s time to choose your vinyl upholstery fabric. When reupholstering contoured seats Sailrite recommends a 360-degree stretch vinyl like Morbern™ Allsport 360° Stretch. This type of upholstery vinyl boasts superior tailorability due it its incredible multidirectional stretch properties. This makes it perfect for contouring around any frame for a tight, waterproof fit. It’s a great choice for all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, golf carts, marine seating and more.

In this comprehensive video tutorial, you’ll learn the following DIY and upholstery techniques:
• How to pattern and add new foam.
• How to shape the new foam to match the contoured shape.
• How to use patterning material to pattern the vinyl cover.
• How to cut fabric panels and use matchup marks.
• How to sew curved fabric panels together.
• How to install a cover and staple it into place for a tight fit.

You’ll be able to apply these techniques and skills to a variety of future upholstery and sewing projects.

When you’ve finished your ATV cover, share your photos on social and tag #Sailrite so we can see your projects! We love seeing and sharing what our customers are making.